Why Does A Dog Take Fluoxetine?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Fluoxetine is useful

to treat some but not all forms of aggression in dogs

. It is used for inter-dog aggression in conjunction with behavioral training and neutering of the less dominant dog. Fluoxetine also is used to treat obsessive compulsive disorders in dogs.

What happens if a dog takes fluoxetine?

It is also used in veterinary practice to treat a wide range of behavioral issues. However, fluoxetine can be toxic to your pet if ingested in significant quantities. It is important to realize that, even at therapeutic doses,

your pet may show signs of fatigue, excitation, nervousness, or loss of appetite

.

Will fluoxetine calm my dog?


For dogs with more intense anxiety, she recommends Prozac (fluoxetine)

. Lexapro or Zoloft are other name brand psychotropic medications that are commonly used. There is also an FDA-approved version of Fluoxetine specifically made for dogs called Reconcile.

Will fluoxetine change my dog’s personality?

Used properly, a daily medication like Prozac can help your anxious or reactive dog in three ways. First, you should notice that

it takes a bit “more” to cause an anxious or aggressive response than before

– essentially, the dog has a longer fuse. Second, if there is a reaction, it should be less intense.

What time of day should I give my dog fluoxetine?

Most behaviour textbooks recommend

once a day dosing without specifying AM or PM

. There is a need for more research and understanding of the use of fluoxetine and other behaviour modifying drugs in veterinary medicine.

Can fluoxetine make dogs more anxious?

Dogs: Sedation and anorexia are the most-commonly reported side effects.

Other side-effects include GI upset and behavior changes (anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, and insomnia)

. Aggression (very uncommon) and seizures also have been reported.

How much fluoxetine should I give my dog?

Dosage Of Fluoxetine For Dogs

Typically the drug is given in a dosage of

0.5 to 0.9 mg per pound orally once per day

. So, for example, a 30-pound dog would probably get somewhere between 15 and 27 mg per day. Fluoxetine usually comes in 10 mg or 20 mg tablets, and your vet will let you know how to give a precise dose.

Will Prozac make my dog sleepy?


Prozac for anxiety can make dogs feel sleepy

, so it’s important to make sure dosages are handled well, and that you ask your vet when the best time for your dog to take Prozac is, as well as what to do when stopping Prozac.

How long does Lovan take to work in dogs?

This medication works slowly, and results may not be seen for

3 to 4 weeks

, and often for up to 8 weeks. During this time, testing may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication. Always talk with your veterinarian before discontinuing use as there may be unpleasant side effects.

How do I know my dog has anxiety?

  • Barking or howling when owner isn’t home.
  • Panting and pacing (even when it’s not hot)
  • Shivering.
  • Running away and/or cowering in the corner of a house.
  • Digging.
  • Escaping the yard.
  • Destroying furniture.
  • Self-harm, including excessive licking or chewing.

Do reactive dogs get better?

If you keep consistently working on your dog’s reactivity,

it is very likely to improve a lot over time

. Plan for about 1-2 months of dedicated training. If done correctly however, you should see the first small results within as little as one week.

Can I give my dog fluoxetine and CBD oil?

Drugs that may be used for pain relief in your pet such as NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs), Tramadol, Gabapentin or anxiety relief such as Prozac all rely on the P450 enzymes.

This does not mean your pet can’t take CBD, it just means you might want to be a little more careful when dosing it at first

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.